Watch this episode as Mervin discusses with Al Obando, a pioneer of the music industry of Belize. Al shares with us how the country has evolved musically along with options for additional exposure for new and emerging artists in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 12: “Owning Your Identity and Investing in Your Culture.”
Listen to commercial-free audio below:
About Al Obando
Al Obando is best described as an icon in the music industry of Belize and is nothing short of a pioneer in his niche. He is an integral member of the famous Garifuna Collective and has benefited the music industry for over thirty-three (33) years. Al is all about putting Belize on the map through music, promoting the diversity that the nation has to offer, and creating a name for the country he calls home.
Al believes in carrying a legacy through music and has worked tirelessly to preserve, celebrate, and share the cultural heritage of Belize through music and song. He holds a wealth of experience garnered through traveling and performing with the Garifuna Collective. This exposure has brought an abundance of lessons learned, which he aspires to use as tools to encourage and inspire upcoming artists to hone their skills and talents.
Key Points from this Episode/ Take Away
- Mervin and Al discuss the management of the Garifuna Collective.
- Al’s role as a pioneer in the Belize music industry is discussed.
- Al shares that he has been in the music industry since 1989.
- The trial and error phase of Al’s musical journey is discussed.
- Al shares about researching and self-teaching to master his art.
- Al shares his personal background.
- Al’s musical journey is discussed, along with his experience as a part of the Garifuna Collective.
- Al speaks about networking opportunities he had over the years to interact with great icons of the Belize music industry.
- Al discusses his international experience as an artist.
- The importance of artists performing on an international scale is highlighted.
- The technical aspect of music is examined.
- The importance of marketing and having a good team is discussed.
- Specialization of tasks in business is discussed.
- The importance of networking is highlighted.
- The ability to market oneself is discussed.
- The longevity of the content produced by the Garifuna Collective is discussed.
- Bob Marley’s presence and path in the music industry are explored.
- The importance of knowing that “we are still learning every day” is discussed.
- The struggles faced by artists who choose to travel and perform are discussed.
- Issues in the Belize music industry are discussed.
- The financial aspect of the business is discussed.
- The sustainability of musical bands is considered.
- The “unique sound” of Belize is discussed.
- The importance of owning authentication of your service is discussed.
- The ability to be the best in your niche is discussed.
- Al speaks of his experience with professional producers, managers, and business owners.
- Al shares his thoughts on being “mainstream”.
- Discovering your niche as a musician is discussed.
- The biggest lessons learned in his journey are shared.
- The importance of respecting each person and their art is discussed.
- The importance of having a team is emphasized.
- The “Dos and Don’ts” of the music industry are revealed.
- Music rights are discussed.
- The importance of having the right amount of exposure is discussed.
- Al shares his views on the Belizean music industry’s needs for reform.
- The importance of collaborating with others is highlighted.
- The significance of Belizeans knowing that we have a unique niche is discussed.
- The importance of new and upcoming artists knowing our Belizean musical history is discussed.
- Al makes mention of iconic musicians in Belize.
- The importance of musicians respecting and appreciating music is discussed.
- Al and Mervin explore how Belizeans can do more as a people to help our music industry expand.
- Showcasing who we are as a people through music is discussed.
- Al shares opportunities he has been given to put Belize on the map.
- The importance of carrying on a legacy through music is discussed.
- Surprises faced along his journey are shared.
- “Treat every day like it’s a Monday” interpretation is shared.
Monday Night Brain Teasers
- “There’s no blame game involved” – Al Obando.
- “One of the biggest things that we are not introduced to in Belize is the idea of a team making something happen” – Al Obando.
- “You have to represent something”- Al Obando.
- “No year is the same”- Al Obando.
- “Your space is unique and nobody can duplicate it” – Al Obando.
- “We are the presenters of this history of the story” – Al Obando.
- “Change and transformation come from conversation”- Mervin Budram.
- “Innovation comes from conversation” – Mervin Budram.
